Things to do  |  11 Feb 2022

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The annual Open Christchurch festival of architecture returns at the end of April with a new programme featuring more than 40 of Ōtautahi’s special buildings.

The 2022 programme will offer first-hand encounters with good design from contemporary to Gothic Revival, from industrial structures to recreational ones.

College House (Warren & Mahoney 1964-67).

The buildings again cover a variety of ages, styles and uses and are free for the public to explore, apart from a handful of bookings-only, limited-access private residences.

Presented by Te Pūtahi Centre for Architecture and City Making, the festival will happen over the weekend of 30 April - 1 May, “as long as it is feasible and we can proceed safely,” Te Pūtahi director Jessica Halliday says. “Given the circumstances, this year’s edition will be different, but experiencing great architecture will still be front and centre.”

“Circumstances allowing, a range of activities will be on offer to facilitate a deeper delve into the spaces and to cater to those keen to learn more. These include expert tours, exhibitions, audio tours for self-discovery and activities for youngsters,” Ms Halliday says.

Included in the programme are several favourites from last year, including the rebuild’s crown jewel Tūranga Central Library and the epitome of adaptive reuse Te Hononga Civic Building. Those who missed out on seeing these last year have a chance to nosey behind the doors this year.

The full programme will be launched in March. Entry to buildings is free, apart from limited-access residences, where a nominal $5 plus book fee is levied, in order to control privacy and numbers.

For more details and Covid-19 updates visit the Open Christchurch website.

 Main image: Lyttelton Studio Monastery (Bull O'Sullivan Architecture, 2015). Photos by Sarah Rowlands.